Day in the life of Madam President

In this guest blog Marea Buist, madam president, honestly tells us about being in front of the camera. You can also watch this video created with Debrah Novak: a great story celebrating both our elders and an inspiring group of volunteers.

I was running scared, holding my breath wondering what it was going to be like.

Emotions are such subjective things and just when you least expect it something will take you by surprise. Just like the moment before I saw the final cut of my ABC Open video production, "Day in the life of Madam President".

When I was first approached to participate in the project I was doubtful that anything about my every day life at the museum could be deemed interesting enough to warrant the time and effort let alone be of any interesting or entertaining value to anyone. Naturally my protests were met with retorts to ensure that the project did not slip through the producer’s fingers. Obviously I caved in, knowing that the kudos for the museum would be monumental once it hit radio, the internet and possibly TV.

It is weird watching yourself on film. I have often seen famous movie stars squirm when they are forced to watch movie clips while being interviewed for television. I totally get it! The self-critique can be brutal. The way you look, the way you sound and the way in which you present the subject of interest is scrutinized with a fine tooth comb. When nitpicking there is no room for any imperfections. Molehills become mountains.

The two hour interview was grueling as question after question had me digging deep. I tried to be nonchalant in this unnatural situation but I had a bucket full of butterflies that had my stomach turned inside out.

Had the questions been given to me to think about before the camera rolled I would have felt more comfortable but the producer wanted spontaneity. Well she got it! The danger of course with spontaneity is that the interviewer can take you down an unknown path and she did.

At one point the tears glistened and my voice began to choke and I knew that I had gone from a confident President to a little girl with my vulnerability exposed for the entire world to see. I knew beyond any doubt that particular piece of film would not fall onto the editor’s cutting floor. I had inadvertently given them what they wanted – the real person behind the persona of Madam President.

The interview completed put me in a better frame of mind when it came down to being filmed. The camera intruded on every action and every spoken word throughout the day. I handled it by pretending it wasn’t there and discovered that just being myself gave me the confidence to enjoy the experience.

My initial fears have now been laid to rest and objectively speaking I am very proud of the video and to be part of a great team of volunteers keeping our history alive.